Yes – many modern laundromats, including small, independently owned ones, now accept tap-to-pay options. The era of coin-only washing is fading fast, replaced by convenience, speed, and digital payments. And behind this shift is more than just technology—it’s about behaviour, psychology, and the changing expectations of Australian customers.

Why Is Tap-to-Pay Becoming Standard in Laundromats?

Let’s start with a little truth bomb: Aussies hate waiting. And digging for coins? That’s waiting’s annoying cousin.

Tap-to-pay offers speed, simplicity, and hygiene—all critical factors post-COVID. Small business owners know this. They’re adapting, not because they want to overhaul systems, but because customer behaviour is giving them no choice.

In fact, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, contactless payments account for more than 90% of all face-to-face card transactions. If you’re still asking customers to carry coins, you’re not just being old-school—you’re actively losing business.

Are Small Laundromats Equipped for Contactless Payments?

Increasingly, yes. Even mum-and-dad run shops are embracing modern point-of-sale systems and smart laundry tech. There’s a few reasons why:

• Portable payment terminals are now affordable and user-friendly. Services like Square or Zeller let business owners set up quickly without hefty upfront investment.

• Cashless laundry machines are no longer just for large franchises. Vendors like PayRange and LaundryCard offer solutions scaled for smaller operations.

• Behavioural default bias plays a role too. Once a laundromat installs contactless tech, customers tend to use it exclusively. It becomes the default behaviour.

Why Did Some Laundromats Resist Tap-to-Pay Initially?

It’s not all sunshine and suds.

Some small operators hesitated because:

• Transaction fees eat into slim margins.

• Installation costs used to be high.

• “If it ain’t broke…” thinking prevailed.

But behavioural inertia doesn’t last forever. Once neighbours upgrade, social proof kicks in. Customers start expecting tap-to-pay everywhere. If one laundry doesn’t offer it, they’ll walk to the next. Loss aversion—the fear of losing customers—starts to outweigh the pain of upgrading.

Do Customers Actually Prefer Contactless Laundry Payment?

Absolutely.

Here’s what’s driving the demand:

• Convenience: No more coin hunting or ATM dashes.

• Speed: Transactions are instant, no queuing for change.

• Cleanliness: Contactless is hands-free—important post-pandemic.

• Familiarity: Tap-to-pay is how most Aussies already shop, ride public transport, and grab coffee.

Put simply: customers don’t just want tap-to-pay. They expect it.

How Can Laundromats Implement Tap-to-Pay Easily?

There are three main ways small laundries can jump on the contactless bandwagon:

1. Standalone card readers: Attach to machines or use a central pay station.

2. Smartphone-based payments: Some systems use QR codes and apps—great for smartphone-savvy users.

3. Integrated payment + management platforms: These systems do it all—track usage, accept tap-to-pay, even offer loyalty rewards.

Providers like Paypont in Australia are making this easier for even the smallest of laundromats.

What About Older Customers? Are They Comfortable With It?

Here’s the kicker: many older Aussies are surprisingly adaptive. According to AusPayNet, over 65s are the fastest-growing demographic for contactless card use.

And remember Cialdini’s principle of Consistency? Once people try a new payment method and it works, they’re far more likely to keep using it. The trick for laundromats is making the first experience smooth—after that, habit takes over.

Real Talk: Is There Still a Place for Coins?

Some, yes.

• Regional or low-tech areas might still favour coins.

• Transitional laundromats often keep coin slots alongside tap-to-pay while customers adjust.

• Backup systems are handy when digital glitches strike.

But make no mistake—coins are fading. Not gone, but definitely not the hero anymore.

Are There Any Downsides to Tap-to-Pay for Laundromats?

A few, especially if you’re a small biz owner weighing the switch:

• Service fees: Small % per transaction adds up.

• Tech issues: Card readers can fail—so a Plan B (like coin backup) helps.

• Learning curve: Older operators may need support setting up.

Still, these are short-term pains. The long-term gains? More customers. Higher spend per visit. Less time handling cash. That’s a behavioural nudge worth the switch.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at laundromats?
Yes—if the tap-to-pay system is active, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay will usually work seamlessly.

Q: Are laundromats charging extra for contactless payments?
Some do add a small surcharge (around 1–2%) to cover fees, but many absorb the cost to keep things simple for customers.

Q: What if a laundromat doesn’t offer tap-to-pay?
You’ll need coins or a reloadable laundry card—often more hassle, especially if the change machine is out of order.

So, do small laundromats accept tap-to-pay? Increasingly, yes. And the ones that don’t are feeling the pinch. As consumer habits shift and behavioural nudges favour convenience, the pressure on lagging businesses will only grow.

Some operators are even offering hybrid setups—coin and contactless—to ease the transition. But make no mistake: the tide has turned.

And if you’re curious how this plays out in real-life laundry setups, this contactless laundry payment breakdown explains it well.